West Brom star earns international call-up ahead of crucial world cup play-offs

Isaac Price has earned a call-up to the Northern Ireland national football team squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup play-offs after returning to the scoresheet in West Bromwich Albion’s victory over Hull City on Saturday.

The 22-year-old attacker will aim to help his country secure a place at this summer’s tournament in North America, with decisive fixtures scheduled later this month.

Northern Ireland travel to face Italy national football team in Bergamo on March 26, with the winner progressing to a further play-off against either Wales national football team or Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team on March 31 for a place at the finals.

The national side is managed by Michael O’Neill, who also leads Blackburn Rovers—one of Albion’s rivals in the Championship relegation battle.

Price has become an important figure for Northern Ireland, scoring 10 goals in 28 international appearances. Only veteran forward Josh Magennis has a higher tally among the current squad, with 12 goals from 86 caps.

The attacking midfielder netted his seventh goal of the campaign in Albion’s convincing 3–0 win over Hull at The Hawthorns, though it was just his second strike since October.

The former Everton academy player wrapped up the victory with a late third goal for the side coached by James Morrison.

Northern Ireland have reached the World Cup finals only three times in their history—1958, 1982 and 1986—and finished third behind Germany national football team and Slovakia national football team in Group A during the qualification stage.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland national football team are also involved in the play-offs, travelling to face Czech Republic national football team on March 26.

The squad could include Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby, a regular selection, as well as one-cap goalkeeper Max O’Leary, while Mikey Johnston is currently sidelined through injury.